Of all the birds my 'most favourite' is the Tawny Frogmouth. I have been studying the local 'Tawnies' as they are affectionately known for about 3 years now. They visit the tree outside my window in the night calling with their booming oom-oom-oom. I have done a variety of drawings and a couple of small... Continue Reading →
Another of my favourite birds is the Australian Magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen. It is a combination of its dramatic black and white plumage, its beautiful voice and often friendly personality. The one exception to this would be at nesting time when signs are erected in most towns warning people of swooping magpies. They see humans as... Continue Reading →
The local pied butcherbirds were out in force yesterday afternoon gathering worms, grubs and the like in one of the large vegetable allotments kept by an avid local vegie grower. They have the most beautiful melodious call and along with magpies and their call are my favourite local 'birdsingers'.
Many people are more than aware of the non-native form of the frangipani. But there is a native form - Hymenosporum flavum - a medium to large tree (up to 20m) with medium sized ribbed leaves and delicate sweetly fragrance flowers. These are currently flowering.
There is a direct relationship between the decline of the local Richmond Birdwing Butterfly and loss of local rainforest habitat. The butterfly is dependent on the rainforest vine - Aristolochia praevenosa. The birdwing caterpillars only food source is this particular vine. With the loss of the ecosystems that supported this vine so has the Birdwing... Continue Reading →
The wildflowers locally are really putting on a show. These two are the tree waratah, and flame tree. These tress have the capacity to stop traffic. I once witnessed an older lady stop in the middle of a busy road, get out of her car and rush over to pull off one of the flowering... Continue Reading →
Wildflowerings - Art Studio Diary 